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Crosby, Malkin help troubling year for Pens end on high note

Kris Letang, Darren Helm

nam icePittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (58) and Detroit Red Wings center Darren Helm (43) chase the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

AP

Pittsburgh has surprisingly been one of the worst teams offensively this season, but every now and then they have a game that reminds you of the Penguins of old.

Tonight’s contest against Detroit certainly didn’t start off like an example of that as the Red Wings got off to a 2-0 lead. Despite that, the Penguins rallied back to earn a 5-2 victory, making this just the fourth time in 2015-16 that Pittsburgh managed to earn a win after going into the first intermission with a deficit.

Better still, it was a case of their superstars living up to that title. Evgeni Malkin played a big role with a goal and two assists while Sidney Crosby netted the game-winner as he continues to rally back after his slow start to the season.

Pittsburgh’s special teams also played a key role. The Penguins entered this game with the 26th ranked power play in the league, but Patric Hornqvist and Kris Letang both found the back of the net with the man advantage.

This all allowed the Penguins to close out the month on a high note, but it has still been a challenging time for them. The Penguins went 5-8-2 in December and will enter the new year behind in the Wild Card race.

Suffice it to say they’ll need to provide more examples of what they’re capable of going forward.